An increase in childhood obesity has led to Marks & Spencer selling a plus size school uniform range to cater for larger kids.
The super-size range will fit four-year-old children who have the same size waist as an eight-year-old - 23ins, the retailer's guide shows. The Plus school wear range is being trialled online following demand from parents, M&S said.
Campaigners said the move by M&S was simply commercial recognition of what they had known for some time - that obesity is a growing problem among pre-schoolers and younger pupils. It caters for ages three to 16. Trouser and skirt sizes go up to a 41-inch waist.
But it is the large sizes for primary school entrants that will cause most concern, amid fears Britain could be facing a growing obesity problem.
Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: "This is the actual commercial recognition of what we have known for some time - that obesity in pre-schoolers is building up. Now 27% of entrants to primary schools are overweight or obese."
Mr Fry said he had no issue with M&S offering the range, adding that the firm has been among the better retailers when it comes to giving clear information on their food range. But he called for a collective effort to curb obesity.
Copyright Press Association 2010
